Montefiore Einstein has established a number of Business Resource Groups (BRGs) for employees based on shared characteristics, interests, and life experiences. This could mean employees from similar racial, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, like the BRG for Indigenous Americans and one for Jewish employees; a shared interest like the Working Families and Caregivers BRG; or a shared experience like the Veterans and Military BRG. 

Jonathan Green, DNP, MBA, Senior Director of Nursing, Weiler Hospital, pictured during his military service in the Army.

While they are led by employees, the groups are overseen by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office, led by Joan Chaya, senior director. According to the BRG web page, "By joining a BRG, associates have the opportunity to support the organization’s vision and values; promote diversity and equality by raising awareness and ensuring that represented groups have a voice in the organization; and contribute to strategic initiatives that positively impact recruitment, engagement, and workplace culture.” You can learn more about Montefiore Einstein’s BRGs on the DEI page of the Montefiore intranet, or by visiting https://montefiore.stratustms.com/.

Formed in early 2024, the Veterans and Military BRG holds monthly meetings virtually. Currently, there are 17 members, and the group welcomes associates who are veterans, active service members, family members of veterans, or anyone interested in supporting the veteran and military community at Montefiore Einstein. The group’s mission is to create an inclusive space for veteran and active duty military associates to connect, share experiences, and access resources. Additionally, it aims to educate the wider Montefiore Einstein community about military service, the transition to civilian life, and the strengths veterans bring to the workplace. 

In May, the BRG hosted a panel discussion in honor of Military Appreciation Month titled “Beyond the Uniform: Navigating the Transition to Civilian Life,” featuring three veterans who work at Montefiore. The group is actively planning more events to honor our veterans and military associates in the future.

“Veterans are an invaluable part of the hospital and health system workforce, bringing unique skills, experiences, and a commitment to service,” says Jon Green, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, senior director of nursing at Weiler Hospital, and a member of the Veterans and Military RBG. “Their military training fosters qualities like discipline, teamwork, and leadership, which are vital in healthcare. Many veterans transition smoothly into civilian healthcare roles, aligning their dedication to service with Montefiore Einstein’s mission to heal, teach, discover, and advance community health.” The group is working with local organizations to connect veterans with employment opportunities at Montefiore Einstein, he adds.

“Many discussions in our BRG focus on supporting veterans during their transition to civilian careers, which can be challenging,” Green says. “Access to the right resources is essential, as every veteran’s experience is different.”

Green himself is a veteran. “I served in the U.S. Army as a medical operations officer,” he says. “After time at Fort Sam, in Houston, Texas, I served part-time with the U.S. Army Reserve in the 804th Medical Brigade at Fort Devens, in Massachusetts. I completed a tour in Baghdad, Iraq, as the medical intelligence officer at Task Force Med headquarters, managing medical resources across Iraq.”

After serving for 10 years, Green left the military to focus more on his family, education, and civilian career. But it left an indelible mark on him. “The leadership development and real-world experience I gained in the military have been instrumental in shaping my career as a nurse and healthcare leader over the last 15 years,” he says. “I joined Montefiore Einstein in 2021. In my current role as a senior director of nursing at Weiler Hospital, the pride I take in serving our patients and my colleagues feels like a continuation of the dedication to service I honed in the army.”